High-Mileage Running Linked To Shorter Lifespan: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that too much of running reduces life span. It contradicts to earlier studies to some extent that running regularly gives health benefits such as better blood pressure, stress reduction and weight control.
The new study shows diminishing returns with running. Researchers say those people tend to have shorter life span who either are high-mileage runners or do not exercise at all. The reason behind this is not yet found.

The study has also ruled out any cardiac risk or use of certain medications as factors.

One of the authors of the study, Dr Martin Matsumura, said they have failed to find any differences in their analysis that could explain longevity differences.

Dr Matsumura is also co-director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pa. He presented the results of the study at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. on Sunday.

He said the entire team evaluated data of about 4,000 men and women runners and their average age was 46 years. All the participants were involved in the Masters Running Study, which is a web-based study of training and health information on runners aged 35 and above. The painkillers information taken by the runners were also noted to evaluate the life span.

Researchers conclude there is no any such advice from them currently to the fitness-oriented Americans as they are yet to find the optimal dose of running for health and longevity.